Forensic Security Officer

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Provides safe and secure escort to all maximum security/high risk persons in custody at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital including remands, temporary absences from other correction institutions, immigration holds under the Criminal Code of Canada and persons unfit to stand trial and not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder (NCRMD) under the Mental Health Act; assumes custody of patients and ensures the safety of the public and employees of outside facilities during on-site and off-site escorts; maintains the security of the BC Review Board staff and other visitors during parole and/or court proceedings; responds to high risk situations and provides security to visitors to the hospital during regular visiting hours; performs other related security and protection duties/functions and liaises with outside agencies regarding security issues including the transport of persons to court and to other external agencies, as required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Provides safe and secure escort for court remanded and maximum security persons to other facilities, including secure facilities, hospitals and specialists outside of the hospital; assumes custody and transports persons in custody from outside agencies to the hospital; transports and escorts persons to video courts, as required; searches all persons in custody prior to escort to ensure the person is not carrying any dangerous items and/or illegal substances to ensure the safety and protection to the public and employees of the other agencies.
• In support of the clinical risk assessment of in-custody patients, consults with clinical staff and other resources to determine the security risk and classification of in custody escorts including determining appropriate security precautions; applies restraining devices such as handcuffs, belts, leg irons and belly chains and/or other restraint devices or techniques as required when providing patient escort and security services; ensures required documentation is available for the escort of persons in custody.
• Responds to and investigates all instances of escape including the search and custody of persons who have escaped the hospital; works with local police in the event of an emergency security breaches and/or patient escapes; maintains building and ground security by incorporating regular patrols, maintaining and monitoring alarm systems, communication systems, safety and emergency equipment; provides staffing training in the use of alarm systems, procedures and selected restraint equipment; ensure only authorized vehicles enter and leave the facility.
• Interacts with persons in custody in aggressive and/or volatile situations to diffuse the situation and reduce the escalation of aggression by utilizing appropriate de-escalation and safe non harmful control techniques consistent with existing policies and procedures to secure patients on escort who may become agitated in order to maintain custody and ensure the safety of the public.
• Provides direction to, and maintains custody of patients while in court; exchanges information with outside agencies such as Police, Fire Departments, Coroner?s Office, Sheriff Detachments and Corrections as appropriate; provides security services for BC Review Board members and other visitors such as court reporters, lawyers and other hospital staff; supports the multi-disciplinary planning and coordination of security plans for the transport of patients with other agencies for all high profile cases.
• Performs and maintains lock-down of all hospital corridors by securing and monitoring movement of all maximum security and high risk individuals; screens for illicit materials and/or substances in the hospital, holding area and other locations; performs ward sweeps and searches utilizing technology as appropriate to confirm the presence of illegal substances/materials or items in holding area and other areas; searches visitors for the same; confiscates contraband and catalogues, destroys and/or retains contraband in a secured area for evidentiary purposes.
• Screens visitors and records personal information of the visitor to ensure visitors are approved to enter the approved visiting areas; screens and determines what items are permitted to enter the visiting area; disallows items and/or visitors from entering the visiting area, as required; escorts the public to and from the visiting area and as required, removes visitors from the designated area, as appropriate.
• Arranges for the movement of persons in custody from secure units to and from sheriffs, law enforcement and/or other transporting agencies; secures valuables/personal effects of persons in custody and including required documentation is available; monitors activities of persons in custody by operating applicable building controls units and closed circuit television; ensures proper segregation of patients such as protective custodies, high profile male and female patients.
• Monitors the movement and activities of persons in custody while using maximum and minimum security in outside areas to ensure compliance with the policies and boundaries of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital; ensures that firearms are locked in appropriate lock-boxes and firearms are not brought into the holding area.
• Conduct regular security patrols around the facility and conducts the initial investigation into security related occurrences including potential threats of targeted violence; implements initial mitigating strategies and documents this process using approved documentation.
• Supports fire safety related activities such as fire drills; documents these activities and prepares incident and investigation reports; performs regular Panic Alarm System and other security system tests and prepare deficiency reports, as required; responds to medical emergencies by bringing emergency equipment such as medical emergency bag and defibrillator to the scene; provides first aid and/or CPR as needed.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience

Grade 12, plus two (2) years'' recent related experience in a secure correctional or mental health facility, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Completion of a recognized defensive tactics course including training in the use of force, metal detection, search and seizure. Occupational First Aid Level 2.
Eligible for appointment as a Special Provincial Constable. Current CPR certificate and valid BC Class IV Driver's license.

Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of applicable legislation and statutes such as the Criminal Code of Canada
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and effective interpersonal skills including the ability to control and direct hostile/aggressive behaviour of persons in custody
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Solid understanding of the use of force and applicable legislation as it relates to the able to retrain uncooperative, hostile or violent persons
• Knowledge of the principles of the criminal justice system
• Knowledge of the criminal court system including the application of court and other legal orders
• Working knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Ability to work independently and as a member of team
• Ability to operate related equipment
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position

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